IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Launch the First Kimpton Hotel in the UAE

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, group that operates, manages and franchises hotels and resorts under several brands across the world signed an agreement to launch its first Kimpton hotel in the UAE, an operation in partnership with API Hotels & Resorts LLC, hospitality company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Kimpton Dubai is a project that signifies the second collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and API Hotels & Resorts LLC, following the  InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay's inauguration in September 2024.

The British hospitality company had previously signed a management agreement to introduce the Kimpton brand in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, marking the brand initial entry into the Middle East market. 

The property is expected to open its doors from early 2026, and its future opening is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts ongoing expansion in the Middle East, with the company currently operating over 122 hotels across nine countries in the region.

 IHG' portfolio continues to grow in the Middle East and currently includes various core brands such as Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo in the luxury and lifestyle collections, Crown Plaza and voco in the premium collections and Staybridge Suites in the suites collections.

The future Dubai's hotel enters in a high performing hotel brand like Kimpton Hotels, headqurartred in San Francisco, California, U.S, that has expanded globally, known for its stylish design - led hotels and restaurants, thoughtful amenities, emphasizing a personal and unscripted guest exoeriences, with a focus on making guests feel as at home.

The Kimpton Dubai will be located in the city's fast - growing business and lifestyle hub, an area already gained a reputation as an attractive location for both business and leisure, drawing a diverse crowd of professionals, residents and tourists near the emblematic Business Bay Canal, a 3.2 km pedestrian walkway alongside Dubai Canal runs from Business Bay through to the suburb of Jumeirah, minutes from famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

The hotel will feature 280 comfortable and stylish rooms, including standard guestrooms and suites, providing three unique dining options, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centee, curated retail outlets, seven adaptable meeting spaces, a ballroom and an ample parking.

The property is expected to uphold Kimpton's reputation for comfort, excellence in service and an innovative culinary offering, focusing on delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences. 

Links
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-debuts-luxury-lifestyle-brand-kimpton-in-uae-with-280-room-kimpton-dubai
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136279.html

Virga Capital, Hilton | Opened a New Location of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bozeman, Montana, U.S.

 Virga Capital, Montana - based real estate investment and development company focused on crafting spaces to better serve and help foster community opened a new location of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Bozeman, a city in the Rocky Mountains in southern Montana, U.S.

Bozeman is a renowned destination well known for its natural beauty and for several outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing and backcountry exploring Yellowstone National Park, impressive wildlife and also well known for nearby Bridger Range to the north and the Spanish Peaks.

This centre is witnessing a significant economic growth with a population increase of nearly 20% over the past year, a development coincides with a flourishing job market in construction, hospitality, technology, and professional services sectors.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bozeman Four Corners enters in an all - suite extended stay hotel brand, known for its stylish and home - like accommodations considered one of the fastest growing brands in Hilton's history, designed to offer value - conscious guests a flexible and comfortable experience.

The new property is strategically located at 110 Homestake Drive in the Four Corners submarket, and it is the first hotel in the area, situated in a tranquil area, 13 kilometres from downtown Bozeman, 14.5 kilometres from the airport and 61.0 kilometres from the Big Sky Resort, famed destination with nearly 6.000 acres of skiable terrain, one of the hottest spots in the United States for snow skiing.

The hotel features 100 comfortable and spacious suites designed for business and leisure travellers and their pets, equipped with full kitches, making the property very suitable for extended stays.

Amenities include flexible workspaces, an indoor pool, an outdoor patio with fire pits, and a complimentary breakfast.

CEO of Virga Capital, Rob Lateiner, stated that the new hotel meets the needs of both long - and short -  term guests travelling through one of Montana's dynamic regions and the opening of this property marks an important milestone in Virga Capital's portfolio.

Link - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bznfcht-home2-suites-bozeman-four-corners/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136123.html

Portugal | Properties for Rent Up 49% According to Data Analysis by Idealista

The supply of housing on the the rental market in Portugal increased by 49% between the beginning of 2025 and the same period in 2024, according to data analysis by Idealista, commercial company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, which supports real estate agents and private individuals across Southern Europe by providing an online real estate classified plattform.

In the last years the supply of properties for rent in Portugal increased in 16 of the 20 distrct capital / autonomous regions analysed, in Viseu, city and municipality in the Centro Region of Portugal, and the capital of the district of the same name, the available stock on the rental market doubled. A list of significant increases in supply was provided with these dates : 

•    Viseu, + 116%
•    Viana do Castelo + 92%
•    Porto, + 71%
•    Beja  + 67%
•    Braga, + 67%
•    Aveiro, + 61%
•    Guarda, + 61%
•    Coimbra, + 57%
•    Lisbon, + 54%

With increases in the supply of housing for rent of less than 50%, there are Santarém, 45%, Leiria, 38%, Évora, 29%, Setúbal, 20%, Castelo Branco, 16%, Bragança, 13% and Faro, 9%, reveal data from Idealista. 

Conversely the stock of houses on the rental market descreased between the first quarter of 2025 and the same period in 2024 in : 

•    Ponta Delgada, - 2%
•    Funchal, - 5%
•    Vila Real, - 24%
•    Portalegre, - 50%

Link -  https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-04-28/properties-for-rent-in-portugal-up-49/97220

Ecuador | The United Arab Emirates Expresses Interest to Invest in Social Housing, Tourism and Agriculture in the South American Country

The President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, along with several ministers, during a tour in the Middle East region met on 1st  May 2025 authorities and businessmen from the United Arab Emirates who expressed interest to invest in various sectors of the South American country, including social housing, tourism and agriculture.

In various meetings, the objective of the Ecuadorian Government was to strengthen a political dialogue, promote economic alliances and address investment projects in areas such as housing, infrastructure, tourism and agriculture, considered priorities for the country's development.

The Ecuador President along with the entourage of ministers accompanying him, was received in a protocol greetings by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and they also met with several entities from the UAE, including representatives of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund.

The ministers of Housing, Transport, Energy, Production and Foreign Affairs, among other authorities were present at these meetings. 

The Director General of ADFD, the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, stated that the meeting with the Ecuadorian president was very productive.

The Head of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund said that the dialogue was centred on several projects in different sectors, but focusing more on the issue about social housing that is one of the priorities of the UAE Governement that led many studies considering being particpants in financing several of the social interest projects in Ecuador.

ADFD Director also indicated that they are considering making investments in different sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, and these would be two other main sectors with priority.  

From his part the Minister of Urban Development and Housing of Ecuador, Humberto Plaza, said that there is of great possibility of having financing from the United Arab Emirates for Ecuador's first large housing project, which will include approximately of 8.200 units.

The delegation of Ecuador also met with representatives of Mudabala Investment Company, a private fund that manages investments in different sectors represented by its Deputy Executive Director Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, who commented that during the meeting the focus was about investment opportunities in Ecuador. 

 In another meeting the Minister of Transport and Public Works of Ecuador, Roberto Luque met with authorities at DP World's headquarters in the United Arab Emirates and they discussed about strategic plan with new investment in Ecuador.

Finally the Ecuadorian President met representatives of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and according to the  Ecuatorian Government, this made it possible to open a channel of direct dialogue the productive sectors of both countries with a view to promoting new commercial ties. 

Link - https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/economia/daniel-noboa-reunion-emiratos-arabes-unidos-interes-vivienda-turismo-agricultura-nota/

Botswana | Targeting Infrastructure Overhaul to Boost Tourism Growth

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, with a landscape defined by the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, famous for its rich, diverse wildlife, national park, natural beauty and a vibrant culture, making it a very popular destination for safaris and nature enthusiast is targeting overhaul and enhancement infrastructure to boost tourism growth.

The African country's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth and is projected to continue its upward trajectory.

International arrivals increased by 18% from 2024 to 2025 and according to Botswana Tourism Industry Outlook, tourism revenue is projected to grow from US$334 million in 2023 to US$399 million by 2028 with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%.

In recent times Botswana has seen a notable increase in international tourists indicating a growing demand and is also actively diversifying its tourism markets, moving beyond its traditional South African base to attract more tourists from European countries and beyond. 

For all that and more Botswana has pledged to tackle infrastructure challenge in it tourism sector, positioning it as a strategic economic driver beyond mining.

The country's President Duma Boko speaking at Tourism Association of Botswana Annual Conference in Maun, the tourism capital of the African nation and the administrative centre of Ngamiland district.highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to fully realise tourism's potential, suggesting the sector could eventually surpass diamonds in contributing to the country GDP. 

Environment and Tourism Minister Wynterf Mmolotsi said that the tourism sector's growing importance, noting recent 18% year - on - year growth in international arrivals and he stressed that better road, air and digital infrastructure is vital to sustain momentum, and with new flight routes already enhancing international access.

Nowadays tourism ranks second only to mining in its contribution to Botswana GDP, it creates jobs, uplifts communities and support conservation.

Infrastructure is the backbone of tourism in the African country and through collaboration with other ministries, the priorities are the enhancement and new developments of infrastructure that support the sector focusing on plans of an integral remodelation which aim to boost tourism and placing Botswana in a relevant position in the international tourism landscape.

Link - https://atta.travel/resource/botswana-targets-infrastructure-overhaul-to-boost-tourism-growth.html

Costa Rica | Cemented Reputation as a Pioneer in the Global Tourism Dental Care

Costa Rica has been recognized as a leading destination for medical and dental tourism, attracting thousands of international patients each year, for the combination of affordable costs and class experience making it an ideal choice especially for treatments such as dental implants, veneers, and full mouth restorations.

Among the firms which contribute to this success in the Latin American country is Prisma Dental, a renowned company well known for its state - of – the - art facilities, highly trained dentists, and exceptional care, that cemented the reputation of Costa Rica as a pioneer in the global tourism dental tourism care.   

Prisma Dental for all that and more helped the Central American nation to become a leading destination for international patients seeking high - quality dental care at affordable prices.

The company located just some minutes away from downtown San Jose in the pleasant residential neighborhood of Rohrmoser, an urban area well known for its abundant green spaces, several parks and architecture, is playing a relevant key role in the success of dental care in Costa Rica by offering comprehensive services.

The firm specializes in dental implants full mouth restorations and cosmetic dentistry with over 30 years experience boasts an internal laboratory for greater efficiency and personalized treatment plans for each patient with 8 treatment rooms, which means long wait – times are kept to a minimum, and all are fully equipped and ready to handle any required dental treatment.

A patient shared his experience with Prisma Dental and he said that he knew Prisma Dental thanks to several friends in the United States who had been patients there and were very satisfied, not only with the work, but with the whole experience.

The initial images the patient sent Prisma Dental were quickly reviewed and they sent him a treatment plan and approximate cost. The Prisma team was very helpful in arraging a hotel reservation in the vicinity of the clinic and they even sent someone to pick the patient up at the airport.

The work was completed in the office of Prisma Dental between 2nd and 6th December 2024 and the patient could not be more pleased with the results. Dr. Nadine Cordero, who performed most on the patient dental treatment, took the time to make sure everything was perfect. 

The patient saved a significant amount of money compared to similar treatments in the U.S. and he would highly recommend Prisma Dental to anyone who needs dental work. 

By offering affordable prices without compromising on quality, Prisma Dental is an excellent example of why Costa Rica remains a preferred choice for Dental Tourism, combining advanced dental care with the appeal of a great vacation, and continuing to transform smiles and lives.

Link - https://www.revistaviajesdigital.com/secciones/wellness/4395-prisma-dental-pioneros-en-turismo-dental-en-costa-rica

Norway | Considering to Implement a Tourist Tax to Help Fund Infrastructure and Services Strained by Tourism

Norway, a Scandinavian country well known for its stunning attractions, like fjords, pristine forests, rivers, lakes, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, attractive cities and town, a popular destination for cruises and a large range of outdoor activities is considering to implement a tourist tax to help fund infrastructure and services strained by tourism.

As the North European country tourism numbers reach record high like in 2024 when Norway recorded more than 38 million overnight stays, which is a new national record, the Norwegian Government is taking an important step to ease the pressure on local communities and fragile environments and is planning to establish a 3% tax on overnight stays, and if this proposal is passed by parliament, would be apply to overnight stays in hotels, campsites, and short-term rentals.

The tax would not apply nationally by default. Each municipality would decide independently whether to introduce it, and local authorities would be required to work with the tourism industry to determine how the revenue would be spent.

The tax aims to help municipalities manage the growing influx of tourists, especially in very popular destinations like Geiranger, famed village in western Norway, at the head of the shimmering UNESCO - listed Geirangerfjord and the Lofoten Islands, stunning archipelago above the Arctic Circle, a rare wilderness outpost offering a landscape of deep fjords, majestic mountains, quaint fishing villages and known for the northern lights and the midnight sun.

The purpose of the tourist tax is also is to provide resources for public services and tourism - related infrastructure in high - traffic areas allowing individual municipalities to charge this tax and if this approval is consummated, the regulations could come into force in this same summer season.

The funds generated by the tax must be allocated to so - called tourism - related "commons" or to service and facilities, such as informational signage, trail maintenance, waste management and public toilets amongt others.

Norway's new proposal aligns with a growing global trend, as more destinations in Europe and beyond adopt tourism taxes to help offset the environmental and social pressures of rising visitor numbers.

Link - https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2025/04/10/norway-proposes-3-tourist-tax-as-visitor-numbers-soar/